Chapter 1 - Defining Leisure Flashcards
1. Understand why it is important to define leisure 2. Understand the major Western concepts of leisure 3. Understand the historical evolution of the leisure concept 4. Be aware of non-Western world views of leisure 5. Develop own sense of leisure
Why should we define leisure?
- First, developing your own understanding of leisure has relevance for your life.
- Second, if you anticipate working in the leisure services field, it is important for you to develop an understanding of leisure as a foundation for your work.
- Third, an understanding of the common definitions of leisure will be helpful to you when working with a diversity of Canadians who hold a variety of understandings of leisure.
What is licere?
The english word “leisure” derives from the Latin word licere or by the French, leisere. The root word licere which means “to be allowed and implies freedom from restraint” also evolved into the english word License. Literally, leisure meant permission in regard to the opportunity provided when one was free from legal occupation.
What is otium?
Most roman writers employed otium to denote the idea of leisure. Otium was linked with contemplation and opportunity for freedom from both time and occupation.
What is schole?
The greek equivalent of of Latin’s licere and otium is schole, which can be traaced to the same root as that of the greek verb “to have”. The etymological root of schole meant to halt or cease, hence to have quiet or peace. Later it meant to have time to spare or, specially, time for oneself.
What is classical leisure?
A state of being; an attitude
classical view emphasizes “contemplation, enjoyment of self in search of knowlege, debate, politics, and cultural enlightenment”
Classical refers to ancient civilizations and thus in the western world, it refers to the view of leisure in ancient societies such as greece and rome. Clear distinctions between work, recreation and leisure. Work = means to provide for lifes needs, rec=rest from work, leisure=noblest pursuit in life. ideal lifestyle consisted of leisure but this lifestyle was dependent on a society that had 80% of the population as slaves who did most of the work
Today, classical view of leisure is advocated by many in the roman catholic tradition because see leisure as a spiritual attitude and by leisure scholars, who see value in aristotelian philosophy.
Classical western view of leisure has similarities with classical hindu view of leisure, in hinduism, a distinction is made between Pravritti, the active life, and Nivritti the contemplative life, which is associated with leisure.
What is leisure as activity?
non-work activity
the leisure as activity view of leisure may be defined as “non work activity in which people engage during their free time – apart from obligations of work, family and society”
in this view, leisure has often been subservient to work and associated with a rhythm to life of work and recreation
Joffre Dumazedier (1915-2002) French sociologist wrote “Leisure is activity – apart from the obligations of work, family and society – to which the individual turns at will, for relaxation, diversion, or broadening his knowlege and his spontaneous social participation, the free exercise of his creative capacity. Dumazedier believed that leisure had 3 functions: relaxation, entertainment, and development of personality.
What is leisure as free time?
time after work and existence tasks
what is leisure as a symbol of social class?
conspicuous consumption
What is leisure as a state of mind?
an optimal, psychological experience
what is feminist leisure?
meaningful experience; enjoyment
what is holistic leisure?
leisure in all of life
Who is aristotle and what are his views?
Greek philosopher who believed that while work was important, leisure was an even more worthy endeavour. “both occupation and leisure are necessary but… leisure is higher than occupation and is the end to which occupation is directed” aka “we do business in oder that we may have leisure”
Aristotle equated leisure with “freedom from the necessity of labour”
Leisure was engaged in for its own sake, unlike recreation
Aristotle viewed leisure as a necessary for virtue, ethical development, and good government.
Education was to prepare a person for leisure and was to be distinguished from studies that prepared a person for work.
Greek ideal of leisure?
was modified in early Christianity where it became associated with the contemplative or spiritual life
Who is Thomas Aquinas?
a prominent theologian of the Middle Ages who brought together Aristotle’s thought with Christian teachings, located Aristotle’s notion of leisure and contemplation in the blessed vision of god.
